Welcome to Hazel Wolf Wetlands
Beaver Lake Park is a neighborhood wonder
Water quality remains protected
Beaver Lake Management Resource Map
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Beaver Lake Monitor
Volume 2, Issue 4 October, 1999
Welcome to Hazel Wolf Wetlands
The Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve is one of the most pristine wetland-based wildlife refuges in King County. In 1995, this biologically rich area in the Beaver Lake watershed was preserved thanks to the cooperative efforts of concerned citizens, progressive corporations, county government, and a nonprofit environmental organization.
The preserve’s 116 acres contain several different wetland and forest habitats. This varied landscape supports many of the area’s most beautiful and sensitive plants and wildlife. The preserve also links a network of protected habitats stretching from the Issaquah Alps to Lake Sammamish. Additionally, these wetlands help control the quality and quantity of water flowing through Beaver Lake (see map on page 3) and eventually to Lake Sammamish.
Visitors to the wetland preserve will be treated to a wealth of wildlife. After fishing at nearby Beaver Lake, osprey and bald eagles often roost in the large trees found in the preserve. At the wetland’s shore, you can see hooded mergansers, pied-billed grebes, and wood ducks. In the forest, pileated woodpeckers drum for insects, cedar waxwings forage, humming birds search for nectar, and robins nest. These birds represent just a few of the wonderful year-round or seasonal visitors at the preserve. Squirrels, tree frogs, centipedes, and salamanders represent some of the other lively creatures found scurrying across the forest floor.
For several decades, Hazel Wolf, a grassroots advocate, has invigorated the environmental community with her tenacious spirit and foresight. Since “retiring,” Hazel has worked full-time as a leader of collaborative, cooperative environmental and community projects. In celebrating Hazel’s 100th birthday, the Land Conservancy and King County citizens dedicated Saddle Swamp (as the preserve is locally known) in her honor.
Enjoying the Wetlands
Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve was established to protect water quality and provide a place for the plants and wildlife that have long resided on the Sammamish Plateau. As an asset to your community, help protect the wetlands by following a few simple rules:
- Stay on trails and travel quietly;
- Leave plants and animals undisturbed;
- Jog, walk leashed pets, or ride horses only on the Main Trail;
- Remove pet waste, it pollutes water;
- Visit only during daylight hours; and
- Avoid using fires or fireworks.
For more information or for group visits of 10 or more, contact the Land Conservancy (206) 292-5907 x102. Access the site from SE 8th St by heading south along SE Windsor Blvd (located in Windsor Greens subdivision) to the “Dead End.” Parking is available under the power lines.
Beaver Lake Park is a neighborhood wonder
Did you know that you live literally minutes away from one of King County’s premier waterfront parks? The 83-acre Beaver Lake Park offers sports fields, hiking and equestrian trails, fishing, Issaquah Lodge and picnic shelter rentals, and large open spaces for running and playing.
The entrance to the waterfront portion of park is at the intersection of SE 24th Street and West Beaver Lake Drive (25201 SE 24th, Sammamish, WA). Sportfields and playgrounds are accessed from the entrance at 244th Ave SE between SE 24th and SE 28th Streets.
The park property has changed private ownership numerous times before coming into public ownership by King County. Weyerhaeuser originally owned the park property and purchased it in 1900 from the Northern Pacific Railway. After Weyerhaeuser logged the property and surrounding areas, the waterfront parcel was sold to Gus and Lulu Bartells who wanted to start a lakeside resort. The Bartells built cabins for couples and honeymooners and a lodge for hosting larger groups.
In the 1950s, the resort was sold and became Andy’s resort. In the late 1960s, the property was purchased by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and renamed Camp Cabrini. The church operated a summer youth camp at the lake for the next several decades. In 1985, the church sold the property to King County who developed the west end of the park in 1989 for ballfields, playgrounds, and picnicking. In 1992, King County opened the waterfront end of the park after building the picnic shelter. Since then, the Issaquah lodge house has been completed and is available for rent for community and private events.
You can get involved in the stewardship of Beaver Lake through the King County’s Adopt-a-Park program. The program provides opportunities for groups and individuals to help improve and maintain area parks. For more information about the Adopt-a-Park program, contact King County Parks at (206) 296-2990 or Tor Bell.
Water quality remains protected
Many residents of the Beaver Lake area may have wonder whether the regulations developed by King County to protect Beaver Lake water quality remain in effect after Sammamish incorporation occurred. The good news is yes. Prior to incorporation, the City of Sammamish adopted the King County surface water management regulations by reference. In doing so, the city effectively adopted the Beaver Lake Management Plan, associated public rule, and 1999 Surface Water Design Manual. This adoption ensures future stormwater discharges to Beaver Lake are required to meet strict pollution removal goals established in the lake management plan.
Drainage Area: 1000 acres
Lake Size: 79 acres
Maximum Depth: 50 feet
Public Access: Park and Boat Launch
Beaver Lake Management Area Resource Map
